'Oh Sumptuous moment' by Emily Dickinson

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Oh Sumptuous moment
Slower go
That I may gloat on thee-
'Twill never be the same to starve
Now I abundance see-Which was to famish, then or now-
The difference of Day
Ask him unto the Gallows led-
With morning in the sky-

Editor 1 Interpretation

Oh Sumptuous Moment: An In-Depth Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Poetry

Emily Dickinson's Oh Sumptuous Moment is a fascinating poem that offers a glimpse into the poet's unique perspective on life and death. With its vivid imagery and haunting tone, the poem captures the essence of Dickinson's work and highlights her mastery of language and poetic form. In this literary criticism, we will explore the themes, structure, and symbolism of Oh Sumptuous Moment, and examine how Dickinson's poetry continues to resonate with readers today.

Themes

At its core, Oh Sumptuous Moment is a poem about the transience of life and the inevitability of death. The opening lines, "Oh Sumptuous moment / Slower go / That I may gloat on thee," suggest that the speaker is trying to hold onto a fleeting moment in time, to savor it before it slips away. The poem then takes a turn, as the speaker acknowledges that even the most sublime moments are fleeting, and that death will eventually claim all that is beautiful and precious in life:

"Let me not grope in vain Of thee, Ah, Leisurely Approach me like a Shrine."

Here, the speaker implores the moment to stay with her, to approach her like a sacred shrine, but acknowledges that her efforts may be in vain. The use of the word "Shrine" suggests that the speaker views this moment as something that is sacred and holy, but also something that is distant and unattainable. The poem then takes another turn, as the speaker reflects on the inevitability of death and the impermanence of all things:

"An alter, just a shrine They brush the dust from off And sweep the greater time, Aside."

Here, the speaker contrasts the fleeting nature of the moment with the eternal nature of death. The use of the word "altar" suggests that the moment is something that is worshiped and revered, but ultimately powerless in the face of death. The final lines of the poem, "Forever is composed of Nows / 'Tis not a different time," suggest that the present moment is all we have, and that the passing of time is an illusion. The poem's themes of transience, impermanence, and mortality are central to Dickinson's work, and continue to resonate with readers today.

Structure

One of the most striking things about Oh Sumptuous Moment is its structure. The poem is composed of four quatrains, each with a rhyme scheme of ABAB. The use of quatrains is typical of Dickinson's work, but the rhyme scheme is more unusual, and adds to the poem's overall sense of tension and unease. The use of enjambment, or the continuation of a sentence across a line break, is also prominent in the poem. This creates a sense of fluidity and movement, and adds to the poem's sense of momentum and urgency. The poem's structure is masterful, and serves to enhance the themes and tone of the work.

Symbolism

Dickinson's use of symbolism in Oh Sumptuous Moment is also noteworthy. The poem's central symbol is the moment itself, which represents something that is fleeting and transient, but also beautiful and precious. The use of the word "sumptuous" suggests that the moment is something that is luxurious and indulgent, but also something that is fragile and fleeting. The use of the word "Shrine" also adds to the poem's overall sense of symbolism, suggesting that the moment is something that is sacred and holy, but also something that is distant and unattainable. The final lines of the poem, "Forever is composed of Nows / 'Tis not a different time," suggest that the moment is also something that is illusory, and that the passing of time is an illusion.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Emily Dickinson's Oh Sumptuous Moment is a masterful work of poetry that highlights the poet's unique voice and perspective. Through its vivid imagery, haunting tone, and subtle symbolism, the poem captures the essence of Dickinson's work, and offers a powerful meditation on the transience of life and the inevitability of death. The poem's themes of impermanence, mortality, and the fleeting nature of beauty continue to resonate with readers today, and cement Dickinson's place as one of the world's greatest poets.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Oh Sumptuous Moment: A Deep Dive into Emily Dickinson's Classic Poetry

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her works continue to inspire and captivate readers even today. Among her many masterpieces, "Oh Sumptuous Moment" stands out as a shining example of her unique style and poetic genius. In this 2000-word analysis, we will take a closer look at this classic poem, exploring its themes, structure, and language, and uncovering the hidden meanings and messages that lie within.

First, let us examine the poem itself:

Oh Sumptuous moment Slower go That I may gloat on thee 'Twill never be the same to me That was so erstwhile thee.

At first glance, the poem seems simple enough, with its short lines and straightforward language. However, as we delve deeper, we begin to see the complexity and depth that lies beneath the surface.

The poem begins with the speaker addressing a moment, which is described as "sumptuous." This word choice immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem, suggesting that the moment is something special and luxurious, something to be savored and enjoyed. The speaker then implores the moment to "slower go," indicating a desire to prolong the experience and make it last as long as possible.

As the poem continues, we see the speaker's intense emotional response to the moment, as they declare their intention to "gloat" on it. This word has a somewhat negative connotation, suggesting a sense of selfishness or greed, but it also implies a deep sense of pleasure and satisfaction. The speaker wants to revel in the moment, to bask in its glory and savor every second.

The final two lines of the poem are perhaps the most intriguing, as they suggest a sense of loss or regret. The speaker acknowledges that the moment will never be the same again, that it has already passed and can never be recaptured. This realization adds a layer of poignancy to the poem, as we see the speaker grappling with the fleeting nature of time and the transience of all things.

Now that we have examined the poem itself, let us turn our attention to some of the broader themes and ideas that it explores. One of the most prominent themes in "Oh Sumptuous Moment" is the idea of impermanence. The poem is a meditation on the fleeting nature of time and the transience of all things. The speaker is acutely aware that the moment they are experiencing will never come again, and this realization fills them with a sense of longing and regret.

Another important theme in the poem is the idea of pleasure and enjoyment. The speaker is clearly reveling in the moment, savoring every second and wanting it to last as long as possible. This emphasis on pleasure and enjoyment is a hallmark of Dickinson's work, and it speaks to her belief in the importance of finding joy in life, even in the midst of pain and suffering.

Finally, the poem can also be seen as a commentary on the nature of memory and nostalgia. The speaker is clearly looking back on the moment with a sense of longing and regret, suggesting that they are already beginning to idealize and romanticize it in their mind. This tendency to look back on the past with rose-colored glasses is a common human trait, and Dickinson's poem captures it perfectly.

In terms of structure and language, "Oh Sumptuous Moment" is a masterclass in economy and precision. The poem consists of just four lines, each of which is carefully crafted to convey a specific emotion or idea. The language is simple and direct, but it is also rich with meaning and nuance. Dickinson's use of the word "sumptuous," for example, is a perfect example of her ability to choose just the right word to convey a complex idea.

Overall, "Oh Sumptuous Moment" is a classic example of Emily Dickinson's unique style and poetic genius. Through its exploration of themes like impermanence, pleasure, and memory, the poem speaks to the human experience in a way that is both timeless and universal. And through its precise language and economy of structure, it demonstrates Dickinson's mastery of the art of poetry.

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